Demi Leigh Royle was walking back from a visit to shops with an adult family friend in Huyton, Liverpool, when she was knocked down.

Merseyside Police said the driver of the dark-coloured Ducati van fled the scene of the crash in Astley Road.

A 24-year-old local man was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is being interviewed by detectives.

In a statement released through police, the family said: "Demi Leigh was a loving and lively little girl. She loved to dance and was a member of the Millennium Morris Dancing group based at St George's Hall in Huyton.

"Everything she did made us laugh. Her not being here will leave a hole that can never be filled. She will always be with us in our hearts and our memories."

Demi Leigh was one of seven children - she had four brothers and two sisters.

She was walking with a 29-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl when the van turned off Hillside Avenue and into their path. It is believed the vehicle mounted the pavement.

The five-year-old girl was taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from facial injuries, while the woman was unhurt but treated for shock. They had just walked to the local shops and were returning home when the incident happened.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said a post-mortem would take place later to establish the cause of death, and house-to-house inquiries were being carried out.